A single post from an influencer can go viral, reaching thousands or even millions of people. This can lead to a surge in traffic to your restaurant, which can translate into more customers and sales.
But the question remains, how can you get these influential storytellers to talk about your restaurant in the first place?
So, put on your aprons and prepare to dive into a world where artful plating meets the power of persuasion. Every influencer collaboration becomes a mouthwatering experience that puts your restaurant in the spotlight.
1. Identify The Perfect Flavor Match
Finding the ideal social media influencer to collaborate with is key to pairing the right wine with a delicious meal. Seek influencers whose style, audience, and values align with your restaurant’s unique brand identity.
Look for foodies, bloggers, or reviewers with an engaged following and a genuine love for culinary adventures. With the right influencer by your side, your restaurant’s flavors will resonate with an even wider audience.
2. Whet Their Appetite With Irresistible Invitations
When it comes to enticing influencers, presentation is everything. Craft personalized invitations that showcase the best of what your restaurant has to offer. A creatively designed e-vite or a mouthwatering video teaser can make all the difference.
Be sure to highlight what makes your restaurant stand out: a new menu item, a themed event, or a unique dining experience. The more enticing the invitation, the more likely influencers will be excited to share their experience with their followers.
3. Create Instagrammable Moments
In the world of social media, aesthetics rule supreme. Design your restaurant with Instagrammable moments in mind. From stunning plating and captivating décor to eye-catching wall art of picturesque outdoor settings, give influencers plenty of opportunities to capture Insta-worthy shots.
Remember, when influencers can’t resist sharing the visual feast they experienced at your establishment, their followers will be left salivating for their taste.
4. Serve An Unforgettable Experience
Influencers are storytellers; the more memorable the experience, the better the tale they’ll tell. Ensure your restaurant offers top-notch service, delicious dishes, and an ambiance that leaves a lasting impression.
Feel free to add a dash of surprise. Perhaps, a chef’s special or a secret menu item exclusively for your influencer guests. They’ll have a compelling story to share when they leave with hearts and bellies full.
5. Encourage Authentic Reviews
Honesty is the best policy when it comes to influencer collaborations. Encourage influencers to share their authentic thoughts and experiences against your restaurant.
Genuine reviews build trust with their followers and create a sense of transparency that resonates with potential customers. Positive or constructive, these reviews will help you continually improve and refine your culinary offerings.
6. Express Gratitude And Cultivate Relationships
Remember the cherry on top, the follow-up after the influencers have indulged in your culinary wonders. Show your appreciation with a heartfelt thank-you note or a personalized token of gratitude.
Cultivate these relationships beyond a single collaboration, and you might just create brand advocates who return for more gastronomic adventures and share their passion for your restaurant with an even wider audience.
7. Amplify the Influencer
Influencer marketing goes beyond a single post. Leverage the buzz created by influencers by reposting their content, sharing their reviews on your social media channels, and featuring their experiences on your website or promotional materials.
The influence of influencers extends far beyond their initial posts, and amplifying their voice will amplify your reach.
Final Word
You can elevate your restaurant’s brand and reach new culinary heights by sprinkling influencer magic onto your social media marketing strategy. Embrace the power of genuine connections and storytelling influencers bring, and watch as your restaurant becomes the talk of the town among food enthusiasts and diners alike.
So, set the table for an unforgettable collaboration and prepare influencers to rave about your restaurant’s delights. Bon appétit, your influencer-inspired social media journey may be as delicious as your most exquisite dishes.
That would be your customers! And they will let you and everyone else know what they think about your restaurant. The good the bad and the ugly.
Find out exactly what your customers are saying about you and get a FREE Restaurant Report Card of your Google and Online Review sites. We’ll analyze across the entire internet all your review sites and let you know what people are saying, what the trends are and how you rank against your competition. All for FREE!
Takes less than 90 seconds to get your FREE Restaurant Online Reputation Report Card.
Michael Thibault
Known as “The Done For You Marketing Guy for Restaurants.” International Speaker on Restaurant Marketing. Published contributing author of 4 Marketing Books. Industry expert on Google Searches and Review Sites. Recovering Independent Restaurant Owner and Caterer of over 21 years. And, all-around good guy.